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Next engine 3d laser scanner


NextEngine 3D Laser Scanner

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3D Scanner Ultra HD

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To capture all the stuff you work with, you want 3D input at your fingertips. NextEngine's exclusive Multi-Laser Technology delivers superior precision and fidelity. Find out what has made NextEngine's Desktop 3D Scanner the World's best-seller. New Ultra HD sensors deliver stunning resolution.

$2,995

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MultiDrive

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Fully automate alignment of multiple scans with tilt/rotary object positioning. Define multiple scan families and with one click execute creation of your 3D mesh model. Just trim unwanted overlapping scan
data, fuse, and polish. A new level of simplicity for NextEngine 3D
Scanner users.

$995

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ScanStudio

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Every NextEngine 3D Scanner comes equipped with high performance Scanning and Modeling Software at no extra charge. ScanStudio manages your scanner hardware, refines your data, and assembles it into a fully healed precise mesh model.

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ScanStudio ProScan

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Increase your scanner performance with the ScanStudio ProScan upgrade. Double scan speed for faster cycle times and capture more surface area with Large Format mode.>

$995

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CAD TOOLS

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Want to convert your mesh model into a CAD model? Need spline outputs or NURBS surfaces? Want to quickly determine volume or surface area? ScanStudio CAD TOOLS gets the job done in one integrated and quick to learn package.

$995

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RapidWorks 4.0

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Are you a Solid Modeling CAD expert? If you need industrial-strength tools to convert Scans to CAD parts, RapidWorks is the World's state-of-the-art in Engineering Software for 3D scan data. Get robust full feature set design tools for under 3K!

$2,995

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QA-Scan 4.0

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Need fast verification that a physical sample meets design requirements? 
QA-Scan provides easy-to-use tools for precisely comparing 3D scans with CAD models. Made for high volume applications, QA-Scan automatically aligns your data, checks tolerances, and produces detailed GD&T reports.

$1,995

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3D Curriculum

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Ten simple lesson plans help students become proficient with the NextEngine 3D Scanner and RapidWorks reverse engineering software. Capture the imagination of your students as they explore the future of 3D design.

$995

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Black Bases

Reduce trimming time, replace white platforms on your AutoDrive or MultiDrive positioner with black platforms nearly invisible to the scanner.

$10

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AutoDrive Extension

24 inch extension between Scanner and AutoDrive increases flexibility to orientate large objects.

$10

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PaintPens

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Scan your transparent or mirror-finish objects with these convenient valve-action paint pens. Coat parts with water-based white tempra paint for excellent scanability. Wipes off with a damp sponge. Use at your desk and store in a drawer. One set of PaintPens is included with your scanner.

$15

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Extra PowderPen

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Scan shiny objects with handy pushbutton powder brush pen. Coat parts with microfine talc granules suspended with a trace of lanolin for mild clinging to surfaces. Wipes off easily with a tissue. One PowderPen is included with your scanner.

$10

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Extra PartGripper

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Adjustable stainless steel part-holding fixture has soft silicone pads to protect and grip your part. Use additional Grippers for difficult objects, or to modify for special purpose jigs. One PartGripper is included with your scanner.

$55

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3 Year Extended Warranty

Total warranty coverage for your 3D scanner for repair/replacement of any defect for 3 full years. No charge for any parts, labor, or services.

$295

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RapidWorks ProCare

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Talk with our engineers via phone or real-time NextWiki chat, and get one-on-one assistance from reverse engineering experts. 3 Years of Software upgrades for RapidWorks, plus phone support, priority real-time chat, priority e-mail support, and project-specific assistance.

$995

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QA-Scan ProCare

Talk with our engineers via phone or real-time NextWiki chat, and get one-on-one assistance from experts. 3 Years of Software upgrades for QA-Scan, plus phone support, priority real-time chat, priority e-mail support, and project-specific assistance.

$795

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ScanStudio ProCare

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Extends support for your Scanner and ScanStudio software for 3 full years. Includes unlimited support and all major software upgrades.

$295

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NextEngine 3D Laser Scanner

Page 123

What is "High Definition" 3D scanning, anyway? Simply put, it measures your object in more places.

Accuracy is important, but it's not enough. When you want fine detail in a 3D shape, the density of points matters even more. If 0.005 inch accuracy points are spaced 0.050 inches apart, a curve would look like stair-steps. Each step is accurate, but the sparse spacing wouldn't map the curve. But when points are packed finer than the accuracy spec, (at say, 0.002 inch), model quality goes way up.

Try our comparison widget (at right), and see why HD Scanning produces a superior model. In fact, HD captures so many points, it took a year to build the software needed to process them. There's a lot more to like in our HD technology, including scanning twice as fast, and much larger areas. Check out the features below.

All new NextEngine 3D Scanners are already equipped for HD scanning. Just get our new ScanStudio HD or HD PRO software release, and start experiencing the difference. And if you bought your system in '07, NextEngine has an awesome deal to get you an HD machine.   Learn More

Got an SD scanner? You're one of the early enthusiasts who got your very own 3D scanner as soon as it came out. Since our debut, we've quickly grown to have thousands of users all around the world. Our new HD Technology incorporates what we've learned from the experiences you've shared.

Technology companies constantly improve products, so you bought a first generation '07 model, and now you need to buy a new one or you'll miss out on the latest cool features, right? Nope. At NextEngine, we do things differently. In our view, it was those of you who first bought our technology that made success possible. We're now the leading supplier of 3D Scanners in the World, and we're very grateful that you trusted us. So we're doing something unheard of in the High Tech industry. We'll let you exchange your first generation system for a brand new HD unit.

If you don't need HD, your SD scanner will continue to work fine with SD software, and you don't need to do anything. But if you buy the new HD PRO Software, it requires the new HD Hardware, so we'll exchange it for you for just $995 plus shipping. Pretty cool, huh?   Learn More

Order:  Order ScanStudio HD PRO on the NextEngine online store for $995, and you'll be prompted for your serial number. Then the additional $995 exchange fee plus return shipping will be adjusted to your order after it has been placed.  After receiving your order confirmation email, you'll be contacted with shipping details for your SD unit.  You'll get a brand new HD Scanner and ScanStudio HD PRO for about $2,000 less than the current price.

Shipping:  You can keep using your existing system until your new HD is ready. Once we receive your SD, your new HD system will be on its way. Your new system also comes with a new warranty and unlimited support for a full year.

Eligibility  To qualify for the exchange program, you must purchase ScanStudio HD PRO, and you must be the original purchaser of your SD scanner.

ScanControls Scanner and AutoDrive

AlignAutomated alignment of scan sets

FuseMerge scans into a single-mesh model

ProcessingSmart filters reduce edge artifacts + noise

4X SamplingHigher quality points through oversampling

7 Color7 channel color capture for high accuracy

2X SpeedSmart filters reduce edge artifacts + noise

Large AreaUltra wide-mode depth range over 30 in.

4X Density4 times more points (4 million max.)

scopes and overview of models / Sudo Null IT News

3D laser scanning - creating a digital model of a physical body using a laser beam. The technology is non-contact, works at close and long distances, eliminates damage to objects during scanning. The principle of operation of 3D laser scanners: a directed laser beam is reflected from the surface of an object, forming a cloud of points. Each point has its own coordinates in space. The software identifies them and creates a finished 3D digital model based on this data.

From the overview you will find out where laser scanning is used and what equipment is used to solve related problems.

Purpose of laser scanners


Source: newequipment.com

Compared to traditional measurement methods, laser scanners have an important advantage - they can digitize objects with complex surfaces and work in hard-to-reach places for humans. The main areas of application of devices are input and output quality control in production, inspection of working devices in order to prevent and eliminate defects, reverse engineering and other areas.

Construction, renovation and renovation of objects


Source: ellisdon.com

During the preparation of the building design, it is necessary to evaluate the features of the site and the cost of the forthcoming works. With the help of 3D laser scanners, a landscape model is created, on the basis of which further work is carried out. During the construction process, intermediate control of the geometry of future buildings is required: walls, corners, openings, etc. Laser scanning copes with this task more accurately and faster than conventional measuring technologies.

The basis for an exterior or interior renovation is often an accurate digital model, on the basis of which changes and additions to the current interior or exterior are planned. Laser scanners are also indispensable in this area.

Road networks and transport


Source: autodesk.com

Laser scanning is becoming an integral part of the planning and creation of urban and suburban road networks, tunnels, pedestrian sections, railways, ports. The technology is used to assess the current state of coatings, plan and estimate the cost of repairs, to obtain models of perennial structures, such as bridges. The equipment is involved in the design, manufacture, repair and tuning of cars, air transport and ships.

Public utilities


Source: 3dscanner.es

With the help of 3D laser scanners, it became possible to quickly digitize and document engineering communications. Scanning significantly saves time during maintenance and reconstruction. The devices work remotely, minimizing the risks of people when working in adverse conditions and in hard-to-reach areas.

Oilfield installations


Source: ramboll.com

Oil production complexes located in the water require constant monitoring of work processes. Objects are regularly exposed to adverse and changeable environmental influences: winds of different strengths and directions, currents, temperature changes, etc. 3D laser scanning is becoming an integral part of the inspection of oil production installations. The equipment allows you to quickly identify and fix deformations and other damage, control wear, calculate the timing of scheduled maintenance, and prevent accidents.

Forensic examination


Source: faro.com

Photographs and manual measurements in investigative processes and forensic examinations are being replaced by 3D laser scanning. The devices create three-dimensional models of scenes of incidents with accurate fixation of the location of objects and the distances between them. The data is used in the process of pre-trial and litigation.

Other applications


Source: news.microsoft.com

3D laser scanners facilitate and optimize workflows in the following areas:

  • In cartography and geodesy - when creating terrain plans, maps, geographic information systems (GIS).
  • In archeology - in the restoration and preservation of ancient artifacts.
  • In paleontology, to create missing parts of excavated skeletons.
  • In medicine, including plastic surgery and dentistry.

Overview of models and manufacturers


FARO Focus

Source: ifworlddesignguide.com

FARO is one of the popular manufacturers of laser scanning devices. The new Focus3D S-series instruments stand out from other scanners in lightness and compact size, as well as the ability to work in bright sunlight and keep in touch with the location using GPS.

The FOCUS 3D S 150 scanner works at a distance of up to one hundred and fifty meters, with an accuracy of up to ±2000 microns at a maximum distance. The device is used in design, architecture and construction, for digitizing equipment and other objects.

You can learn more about this model on the website.

Source: youtube. com

Focus3D S 350 scans with the same accuracy as the previous device, but the distance to the measurement object is increased to 0.35 km. The device is designed for outdoor use.

Source: kkgeosystem.blogspot.com

SHINING 3D

Source: shining3d.com

FreeScan is a line of well-known Chinese manufacturer of digital equipment SHINING 3D. These are universal laser handheld 3D scanners FreeScan X5 (X5+), FreeScan X7 (X7+) weighing up to 1 kg, with an excellent set of professional features.

Basic parameters:
Specifications

Creaform

Source: foundry-planet.com

Creaform's SCAN 3D range is characterized by high scanning quality combined with ease of use. Portable laser scanners HandySCAN 3D, MetraSCAN 3D have a clear interface, do not require special skills and complex user training.

Instrument features:

ScanTech

Handheld range

Source: cmmxyz.com

The HandHeld Prince series uses blue and red laser beams to scan large and small objects with high accuracy. Scanners can operate in bright sunlight and low light conditions. Due to its compact size, high speed and detail, the equipment is widely used in reverse engineering, quality inspection, digitization of museum, archaeological and other objects.

Key features:

Composite series

Source: twitter.com

In addition to the dual scan mode, the KSCAN20 is equipped with a photogrammetry system, thanks to which the working area of ​​the device is 2.5 m * 3 m with an accuracy of 35 µm / m.

Blue and red lasers provide high-speed scanning of up to 650,000 measurements per second with a resolution of 0.01 mm.

Key Features:

3D Laser Scanner Applications


Reduce construction costs and time with FARO Focus

Source: autodesk. com

US construction company Gilbane invested $60,000 in a FARO Focus-S 350 laser scanner, software, and employee training. At first glance, the amount seems too large for a small-scale firm. But, after the calculations, the company's management came to the conclusion that the investment will pay off in the shortest possible time.

According to Gilbane's director of 3D design, John Tocci Jr., after introducing the expensive new technology, the company began to use the equipment even in areas where it was not originally planned. The specialists managed to save $30,000 for one hour of Focus-S 350 and Autodesk Revit software.

Source: autodesk.com

Building a digital model of air ducts and other systems made it possible to avoid errors during the installation of physical objects, which could take several weeks. The use of FARO Focus in the assembly of plumbing, electrical and mechanical installations helped to optimize costs at all stages of work

Case “Modernization of the building of the University of Miami”


Source: elevar. com

At the time of the start of work, the architects had drawings made 85 years ago, and a little more than 4.5 thousand square meters of the old building. Using a 3D laser scanner, Gilbane digitized the training areas in one day. Modernization of load-bearing structures, as well as the main utility systems: plumbing, electrical and ventilation, was based on data obtained from scanning.

Quality Inspection with ScanTech


Source: 3d-scantech.com

The advantage of metal stamping over forging and casting is the lower weight and thickness of the resulting parts. The use of molds gives high accuracy and maximum compliance of the obtained parts with the specified characteristics, but does not completely exclude deviations and deformations. Which, in turn, can lead to difficulties in assembling finished products and reducing product quality. Therefore, constant quality inspection is a necessary part of production.

Having understood the problems of the manufacturer, ScanTech experts proposed to check the quality of stamped parts using the PRINCE laser scanner. The ability to switch blue and red laser modes allowed the device to combine the functionality of traditional portable and metrological 3D scanners. The mode of operation with an active beam of a red laser provides fast digitization of objects. In the case of increased requirements for accuracy and detail, turn on the blue laser beam mode.

The photo shows the stages of work:

1. Installing markers - takes about two minutes.

Source: 3d-scantech.com

2. Digitizing a part takes about three minutes.

Source: 3d-scantech.com

Source: 3d-scantech.com

3. Deviation detection - lasts 3 minutes.

Source: 3d-scantech.com

The digital model shows the parameters and deviations, allows you to correct errors at the design stage. The case clearly shows that the process required a minimum of time and effort.

Using FARO 3D scanners on Justin Timberlake's world tour


Source: disguise.one

Timberlake's "Man of the Woods" program features scenery brought to life on stage. First, the ScanLAB team digitized a number of corners of the forest in the US state of Oregon. Laser projectors then directed images over the auditorium and stage, painting amazing pictures of the Portland landscape on translucent canvases suspended in the air.

Source: faro.com

Two Faro Focus X 330 laser scanners, Faro Scene 6.2 software were used to prepare visual effects. In total it took 40 digital copies and 1 working day in the concert hall.

Source: www.esa.int

Considering the limited preparation time, the large surface areas for displaying the image and the corresponding need for high image resolution, creating visual effects in a short time without using the chosen technology was impossible.

Selection guide for 3D laser scanners

In the review, we introduced you to the equipment of market leaders with an excellent reputation. All the devices described have high performance, so we recommend that you pay attention to these devices for use in various fields:

FARO Focus: Focus3D S350, Focus 3D S150.
Creaform: MetraSCAN 350 (350 Elite), MetraSCAN 750 (750 Elite), HandySCAN Black (Black Elite).
SHINING 3D: FreeScan X5 (X5+), FreeScan X7 (X7+).
ScanTech: KSCAN20, PRINCE 775, PRINCE 335.

Results


Source: 3d-scantech.com

The cases discussed clearly prove that the use of 3D laser scanning optimizes workflows in many areas. The range of tasks solved with the help of 3D laser scanners is constantly expanding.

Buy a professional 3D laser scanner in Top 3D Shop — experienced specialists will help you choose the most suitable equipment, software for your business, and offer a project to modernize production.

All about 3D scanners: from varieties to applications

The 3D scanner is a special device that analyzes a specific physical object or space in order to obtain data on the shape of an object and, if possible, its appearance (to for example, about color). The collected data is then used to create a digital three-dimensional model of this object.

Create 3D-scanner allows several technologies at once, differing from each other in certain advantages, disadvantages, as well as cost. In addition, there are some restrictions on the objects that can be digitized. In particular, there are difficulties with objects that are shiny, transparent or have mirror surfaces.

Don't forget that 3D data collection is also important for other applications. So, they are needed in the entertainment industry to create films and video games. Also, this technology is in demand in industrial design, orthopedics and prosthetics, reverse engineering, prototyping, as well as for quality control, inspection and documentation of cultural artifacts.

Functionality

The purpose of the 3D Scanner is to create a point cloud of geometric patterns on the surface of an object. These points can then be extrapolated to recreate the shape of the object (a process called reconstruction). If color data were obtained, then the color of the reconstructed surface can also be determined.

3D scanners are a bit like regular cameras. In particular, they have a cone-shaped field of view, and they can only receive information from surfaces that have not been darkened. The difference between these two devices is that the camera transmits only information about the color of the surface that fell into its field of view, but the 3D scanner collects information about the distances on the surface, which is also in its field of view. Thus the "picture" obtained with of the 3D scanner, describes the distance to the surface at each point in the image. This allows you to determine the position of each point in the picture in 3 planes at once.

In most cases, one scan is not enough to create a complete model of the object. Several such operations are required. As a rule, a decent number of scans from different directions will be needed in order to obtain information about all sides of the object. All scan results must be normalized to a common coordinate system, a process called image referencing or alignment, before a complete model is created. This whole procedure from a simple map with distances to a full-fledged model is called a 3D scanning pipeline.

Technology

There are several technologies for digitally scanning a mold and creating a 3D model of an object. However, a special classification has been developed that divides 3D scanners into 2 types: contact and non-contact. In turn, non-contact 3D scanners can be further divided into 2 groups - active and passive. Several technologies can fall under these categories of scanning devices.

Coordinated-measuring machine with two fixed mutually perpendicular measuring hands

Contact 3D scanners

Contact 3D scanners study (indicate) the object is directly subjected to physical contact, while the subject is in the subject of the subject. on a precision surface plate, ground and polished to a certain degree of surface roughness. If the scanned object is uneven or cannot lie stably on a horizontal surface, then a special vise will hold it.

The scanner mechanism comes in three different forms:

  • Carriage with a fixed measuring arm positioned perpendicularly, and measurement along the axes occurs while the arm slides along the carriage. This system is optimal for flat or regular convex curved surfaces.
  • Fixed component manipulator with high precision angle sensors. The location of the end of the measuring arm entails complex mathematical calculations regarding the angle of rotation of the wrist joint, as well as the angle of rotation of each of the joints of the arm. This mechanism is ideal for probing recesses or interior spaces with a small inlet.
  • Simultaneous use of the previous two methods. For example, a manipulator can be combined with a carriage, which allows you to get 3D data from large objects that have internal cavities or overlapping surfaces.
    • The

CMM (coordinate measuring machine) is a prime example of the contact 3D scanner. They are used mainly in manufacturing and can be ultra-precise. The disadvantages of CMM include the need for direct contact with the surface of the object. Therefore, it is possible to change the object or even damage it. This is very important if thin or valuable items such as historical artifacts are being scanned. Another disadvantage of CMM over other scanning methods is slowness. Moving the measuring arm with the probe in place can be very slow. The fastest result of CMM operation does not exceed a few hundred hertz. At the same time, optical systems, for example, a laser scanner, can operate from 10 to 500 kHz.

Another example is hand-held measuring probes used to digitize clay models for computer animation.

The Lidar device is used to scan buildings, rocks, etc., which makes it possible to create 3D models of them. The Lidar laser beam can be used in a wide range: its head rotates horizontally, and the mirror moves vertically. The laser beam itself is used to measure the distance to the first object in its path.

Non-contact active scanners

Active scanners use certain types of radiation or just light and scan an object through the reflection of light or the passage of radiation through an object or medium. These devices use light, ultrasound, or x-rays.

Time-of-Flight Scanners

Time-of-Flight Laser Scanner The 3D scanner is an active scanner that uses a laser beam to examine an object. This type of scanner is based on a time-of-flight laser range finder. In turn, the laser rangefinder determines the distance to the surface of the object, based on the time of flight of the laser back and forth. The laser itself is used to create a pulse of light, while the detector measures the time until the light is reflected. Given that the speed of light (c) is a constant value, knowing the time of flight of the beam back and forth, you can determine the distance over which the light has moved, it will be twice the distance between the scanner and the surface of the object. If (t) is the round-trip flight time of the laser beam, then the distance will be (c*t\2). Laser beam time-of-flight accuracy of the 3D scanner depends on how accurately we can measure the time itself (t): 3.3 picoseconds (approximately) is needed for the laser to overcome 1 millimeter.
The laser range finder measures the distance of only one point in a given direction. Therefore, the device scans its entire field of view in separate points at a time, while changing the direction of scanning. You can change the direction of the laser rangefinder either by rotating the device itself, or using a system of rotating mirrors. The latter method is often used, because it is much faster, more accurate, and also easier to handle. For example, time-of-flight 3D scanners can measure distance from 10,000 to 100,000 points in one second.
TOF devices are also available in 2D configuration. Basically, this applies to time-of-flight cameras.

Triangulation scanners

How the laser triangulation sensor works. Two positions of the object are shown.

A point cloud is created using triangulation and a laser stripe.

Triangulation laser scanners 3D scanners are also active scanners that use a laser beam to probe an object. Like the time-of-flight 3D scanners, triangulation devices send a laser to the scanned object, and a separate camera fixes the location of the point where the laser hit. Depending on how far the laser travels across the surface, the dot appears at different locations in the camera's field of view. This technology is called triangulation because the laser dot, the camera and the laser emitter itself form a kind of triangle. The length of one side of this triangle is known - the distance between the camera and the laser emitter. The angle of the laser emitter is also known. But the camera angle can be determined by the location of the laser dot in the field of view of the camera. These 3 indicators completely determine the shape and size of the triangle and indicate the location of the corner of the laser point. In most cases, to speed up the process of obtaining data, a laser strip is used instead of a laser dot. Thus, the National Research Council of Canada was among the first scientific organizations that developed the basics of triangulation laser scanning technology back in 1978 year.

Advantages and disadvantages of

scanners Both time-of-flight and triangulation scanners have their own strengths and weaknesses, which determines their choice for each specific situation. The advantage of time-of-flight devices is that they are optimally suited for operation over very long distances up to several kilometers. They are ideal for scanning buildings or geographic features. At the same time, their disadvantages include measurement accuracy. After all, the speed of light is quite high, so when calculating the time it takes for the beam to overcome the distance to and from the object, some flaws (up to 1 mm) are possible. And this makes the scan results approximate.

As for triangulation rangefinders, the situation is exactly the opposite. Their range is only a few meters, but the accuracy is relatively high. Such devices can measure distance with an accuracy of tens of micrometers.

The study of the edge of an object negatively affects the accuracy of the TOF scanners. The laser pulse is sent one, and is reflected from two places at once. The coordinates are calculated based on the position of the scanner itself, and the average value of the two reflections of the laser beam is taken. This causes the point to be defined in the wrong place. When using scanners with high resolution, the chances that the laser beam hits the exact edge of the object increase, but noise will appear behind the edge, which will negatively affect the scan results. Scanners with a small beam can solve the edge scanning problem, but they have limited range, so the beam width will exceed the distance. There is also special software that allows the scanner to perceive only the first reflection of the beam, while ignoring the second.

At 10,000 dots per second, low resolution scanners can do the job within seconds. But for scanners with high resolution, you need to do several million operations, which will take minutes. It should be borne in mind that the data may be distorted if the object or the scanner moves. So, each point is fixed at a certain point in time in a certain place. If the object or scanner moves in space, then the scan results will be false. That's why it's so important to mount both the object and the scanner on a fixed platform and keep the possibility of vibration to a minimum. Therefore, scanning objects in motion is practically impossible. Recently, however, there has been active research on how to compensate for the effect of vibration on data corruption.

It is also worth considering that when scanning in one position for a long time, a slight movement of the scanner may occur due to temperature changes. If the scanner is mounted on a tripod and one side of the scanner is exposed to strong sunlight, then the tripod will expand and the scan data will gradually distort from one side to the other. However, some laser scanners have built-in compensators that counteract any movement of the scanner during operation.

Conoscopic holography

In the conoscopic system, a laser beam is projected onto the surface of an object, after which the beam is reflected along the same path, but through a conoscopic crystal, and is projected onto a CCD (charge-coupled device). The result is a diffraction pattern from which frequency analysis can be used to determine the distance to the surface of an object. The main advantage of conoscopic holography is that only one beam path is needed to measure the distance, which makes it possible to determine, for example, the depth of a small hole.

Handheld laser scanners

Handheld laser scanners create a 3D image using the triangulation principle described above. A laser beam or stripe is projected onto an object from a hand-held emitter, and a sensor (often a CCD or position-sensitive detector) measures the distance to the surface of the object. The data is collected relative to the internal coordinate system and therefore, to obtain results, if the scanner is in motion, the position of the device must be accurately determined. This can be done using basic features on the scanned surface (adhesive reflective elements or natural features) or using the external tracking method. The latter method often takes the form of a laser tracker (providing a position sensor) with a built-in camera (to determine the orientation of the scanner). You can also use photogrammetry, provided by 3 cameras, which gives the scanner six degrees of freedom (the ability to make geometric movements in three-dimensional space). Both techniques typically use infrared LEDs connected to the scanner. They are observed by cameras through filters that ensure the stability of ambient lighting (reflecting light from different surfaces).

Scan data is collected by a computer and recorded as points in 3D space, which after processing are converted into a triangulated grid. The computer-aided design system then creates a model using a non-uniform rational B-spline, NURBS (a special mathematical form for creating curves and surfaces). Handheld laser scanners can combine this data with passive visible light sensors that capture surface texture and color to create or reverse engineer a complete 3D Models .

Structured light

Structured light 3D scanners are a projection of a light grid directly onto an object, the deformation of this pattern is a model of the scanned object. The grid is projected onto the object using a liquid crystal projector or other constant light source. A camera positioned just to the side of the projector captures the shape of the network and calculates the distance to each point in the field of view.
Structured light scanning is still an active area of ​​research, with quite a few research papers devoted to it each year. Ideal maps are also recognized as useful as structured light patterns that can solve matching problems and allow errors to be corrected as well as detected.

The advantage of the Structured Light 3D Scanners is their speed and accuracy. Instead of scanning one point at a time, structured scanners scan several points at the same time or the entire field of view at once. Scanning the entire field of view takes a fraction of a second, and the generated profiles are more accurate than laser triangulations. This completely solves the problem of data corruption caused by motion. In addition, some existing systems are capable of scanning even moving objects in real time. For example, the VisionMaster, a 3D scanning system, has a 5-megapixel camera, so each frame contains 5 million dots.

Real-time scanners use digital edge projection and a phase-shifting technique (one of the techniques for applying structured light) to capture, reconstruct, and create a high-density computer model of dynamically changing objects (such as facial expressions) at 40 frames per second. A new type of scanner has recently been created. Various models can be used in this system. The frame rate for capturing and processing data reaches 120 frames per second. This scanner can also process individual surfaces. For example, 2 moving hands. Using the binary defocusing method, the shooting speed can reach hundreds or even thousands of frames per second.

Modulated light

When using 3D scanners based on modulated light, the light beam directed at the object is constantly changing. Often the change of light passes along a sinusoid. The camera captures the reflected light and determines the distance to the object, taking into account the path that the light beam has traveled. Modulated light allows the scanner to ignore light from sources other than the laser, thus avoiding interference.

Volumetric techniques

Medicine

Computed tomography (CT) is a special medical imaging technique that creates a series of two-dimensional images of an object, a large three-dimensional image of the internal space. Magnetic resonance imaging works on a similar principle - another imaging technique in medicine, which is distinguished by a more contrast image of the soft tissues of the body than CT. Therefore, MRI is used to scan the brain, the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, and to search for oncology. These techniques produce volumetric voxel models that can be rendered, modified, and transformed into a traditional 3D surface using isosurface extraction algorithms.

Production

Although MRI, CT or microtomography are more widely used in medicine, they are also actively used in other areas to obtain a digital model of an object and its environment. This is important, for example, for non-destructive testing of materials, reverse engineering or the study of biological and paleontological samples.

Non-contact passive scanners

Passive scanners do not emit light, instead they use reflected light from the surrounding area. Most scanners of this type are designed to detect visible light, which is the most accessible form of ambient radiation. Other types of radiation, such as infrared, may also be involved. Passive scanning methods are relatively cheap, because in most cases they do not need special equipment, a conventional digital camera is enough.
Stereoscopic systems involve the use of 2 video cameras located in different places, but in the same direction. By analyzing the differences in the images of each camera, you can determine the distance to each point in the image. This method is similar in principle to human stereoscopic vision.

Photometric systems typically use a single camera that captures multiple frames in all lighting conditions. These methods attempt to transform the object model in order to reconstruct the surface for each pixel.

Silhouette techniques use contours from successive photographs of a three-dimensional object against a contrasting background. These silhouettes are extruded and transformed to get the visible skin of the object. However, this method does not allow you to scan the recesses in the object (for example, the inner cavity of the bowl).

There are other methods that are based on the fact that the user himself discovers and identifies some features and shapes of the object, based on many different images of the object, which allow you to create an approximate model of this object. Such methods can be used to quickly create a three-dimensional model of objects of simple shapes, for example, a building. You can do this using one of the software applications: D-Sculptor, iModeller, Autodesk ImageModeler or PhotoModeler.

This 3D scan of is based on the principles of photogrammetry. In addition, this technique is in some ways similar to panoramic photography, except that the photographs of the object are taken in three-dimensional space. Thus, it is possible to copy the object itself, rather than taking a series of photos from one point in three-dimensional space, which would lead to the reconstruction of the object's environment.

Reconstruction

From point clouds

The point clouds generated by the 3D Scanners can be directly used for measurements or visualizations in architecture and engineering.
However, most applications use non-homogeneous rational B-spline, NURBS, or editable CAD models (also known as solid models) instead of polygonal 3D models.

  • Polygon mesh models: In polygon representation shapes curved surfaces consist of many small flat surfaces with edges (a striking example is a ball in discotheques). Polygonal models are very in demand for visualization in the field of CAM - an automated system for technological preparation of production (for example, mechanical processing). At the same time, such models are quite « heavy" (accommodate a large amount of data) and are quite difficult to edit in this format. Reconstruction into a polygonal model involves searching and combining neighboring points with straight lines until a continuous surface is formed. For this, you can use a number of paid and free programs (MeshLab, Kubit PointCloud for Au toCAD, 3D JRC Reconstructor, ImageModel, PolyWorks, Rapidform, Geomagic, Imageware, Rhino 3D, etc.).
  • Surface models: This method represents the next level of sophistication in the field of modeling. It applies a set of curved surfaces that give your object its shape. It can be NURBS, T-Spline or other curved objects from the topology. Using NURBS converts, for example, a sphere to its mathematical equivalent. Some applications require manual processing of the model, but more advanced programs also offer automatic mode. This option is not only easier to use, but also provides the ability to modify the model when exporting to a computer-aided design system (CAD). Surface models are editable, but only in a sculptural way. Organic and artistic forms lend themselves well to modeling. Surface modeling is available in Rapidform, Geomagic, Rhino 3D, Maya, T Splines.
  • 3D CAD Models: From an engineering and manufacturing perspective, this type of modeling is a full digitized form of a parametric CAD model. After all, CAD is the industry's common "language" for describing, editing, and preserving the shape of an enterprise's assets. For example, in CAD, a sphere can be described by parametric functions that are easy to edit by changing their value (say, radius or center point).

These CAD models don't just describe the shell or shape of an object, but they also enable design intent (ie, critical features and their relationship to other features). An example of design intent that is not expressed in form would be the ribbed bolts of a brake drum, which should be concentric with the hole in the center of the drum. This nuance determines the sequence and method of creating a CAD model, so the engineer, taking into account these features, will develop bolts tied not to the outer diameter, but, on the contrary, to the center. Thus, to create such a CAD model, you need to correlate the shape of the object with the design intent.

There are several approaches to get a parametric CAD model. Some involve only exporting a NURBS surface, leaving the CAD engineer to complete the modeling (Geomagic, Imageware, Rhino 3D). Others use the scan data to create an editable and verifiable function model that can be fully imported into CAD with an intact fully functional tree, providing a complete fusion of shape and design intent of the CAD model (Geomagic, Rapidform). However, other CAD applications are powerful enough to manipulate a limited number of points or polygonal models in a CAD environment (CATIA, AutoCAD, Revit).

From the 2D slice set

3D reconstruction of the brain or eyeballs based on CT results is performed using DICOM images. Their peculiarity is that the areas on which air is displayed, or bones with a high density are made transparent, and the sections are superimposed in a free alignment interval. The outer ring of biomaterial surrounding the brain is made up of the soft tissues of the skin and muscles on the outside of the skull. All sections are made on a black background. Since they are simple 2D images, when added one-to-one when viewed, the borders of each slice disappear due to their zero thickness. Each DICOM image is a slice about 5 mm thick.

CT, industrial CT, MRI or microCT scanners do not create a point cloud, but 2D slices (referred to as a “tomogram”) that are superimposed on each other, resulting in a kind of 3D model. There are several ways to do this scan, depending on the desired result:

  • Volume rendering: Different parts of an object usually have different thresholds and grayscale densities. Based on this, a three-dimensional model can be freely designed and displayed on the screen. Several models can be made from different thresholds, allowing different colors to represent a specific part of an object. Volumetric rendering is most often used to render a scanned object.
  • Image segmentation: When different structures have similar threshold or midtone values, it may not be possible to separate them simply by changing volume rendering parameters. The solution to the problem will be segmentation - a manual or automatic procedure that will remove unnecessary structures from the image. Special programs that support image segmentation allow you to export segmented structures to CAD or STL format, which will allow you to continue working with them.
  • Meshing based on image analysis: When 3D image data (CFD and FEA) is used for computer analysis, simple data segmentation and meshing from a CAD file can be quite time consuming. In addition, some typical image data may not be inherently suitable for a complex topology. The solution lies in image analysis meshing, which is an automated process for generating an accurate and realistic geometric description of the scanned data.

Applications

Material Handling and Manufacturing

3D Laser Scanning describes a general way to measure or scan a surface using laser technology. It is used in several areas at once, differing mainly in the power of the lasers that are used and the results of the scan itself. Low laser power is needed when the scanned surface should not be influenced, for example, if it only needs to be digitized. Confocal or 3D laser scanning are methods that provide information about the scanned surface. Another low power application involves a projection system that uses structured light. It is applied to solar panel plane metrology involving voltage calculation with a throughput of more than 2,000 plates per hour.

The laser power used for laser scanning of industrial equipment is 1W. The power level is typically 200mW or less.

Construction industry

  • Robot control: Laser scanner acts as the eye of the robot
  • Executive drawings of bridges, industrial plants, monuments
  • Documenting Historic Sites
  • Site modeling and layout
  • Quality control
  • Measurement of work
  • Reconstruction of highways
  • Marking an already existing shape/state to identify structural changes after extreme events - earthquake, ship or truck impact, fire.
  • Creation of GIS (Geographic Information System), maps and geomatics
  • Scanning of subsurface in mines and karst voids
  • Court records

Benefits of 3D scanning

Creating a 3D model through scanning has the following benefits:

  • Increases efficiency when working with complex parts and shapes
  • Encourages product design when needed to add a part created by someone else.
  • If CAD models become outdated, 3D scanning will provide an updated version
  • Replaces missing or missing parts of

Entertainment

3D scanners are widely used in the entertainment industry to create 3D digital models in film and video games. If the model being created has a counterpart in the real world, then scanning will allow you to create a three-dimensional model much faster than developing the same model through 3D modeling. Quite often, artists first sculpt a physical model, which is then scanned to get a digital equivalent, instead of creating such a model on a computer.

Reverse engineering

Reverse engineering of mechanical components requires a very accurate digital model of the objects to be recreated. This is a good alternative to converting many points of a digital model to a polygon mesh, using a set of NURBS flat and curved surfaces, or, ideally for mechanical components, creating a 3D CAD model. A 3D scanner can be used to digitize objects that freely change shape. As well as the prismatic configuration, for which a coordinate measuring machine is usually used. This will allow you to determine the simple dimensions of the prismatic model. This data is further processed by special programs for reverse engineering.

3D printing

3D scanners are also actively used in the field of 3D printing, as they allow you to create fairly accurate 3D models of various objects and surfaces in a short time, suitable for further refinement and printing. In this area, both contact and non-contact scanning methods are used, both methods have certain advantages.

Cultural heritage

An example of copying a real object through 3D scanning and 3D printing. There are many research projects that have been carried out using the scanning of historical sites and artifacts to document and analyze them. The combined use of 3D scanning and 3D printing makes it possible to replicate real objects without the use of a traditional plaster cast, which in many cases can damage a valuable or delicate cultural heritage artifact. The sculpture of the figure on the left was digitized using a 3D scanner, and the resulting data was converted in the MeshLab program. The resulting digital 3D model was printed using a rapid prototyping machine that allows you to create a real copy of the original object.

Michelangelo

There are many research projects that have been carried out using scanning of historical sites and artifacts to document and analyze them.

In 1999, 2 different research groups started scanning Michelangelo's statues. Stanford University, along with a team led by Mark Levoy, used a conventional laser triangulation scanner built by Cyberware specifically to scan Michelangelo's statues in Florence. In particular, the famous David, "Slaves" and 4 more statues from the Medici chapel. Scanning is performed with a dot density of 0.25 mm, sufficient to see the traces of Michelangelo's chisel. Such a detailed scan involves obtaining a huge amount of data (about 32 gigabytes). It took about 5 months to process them.

Around the same time, a research group from IBM was working, led by H. Raschmeyer and F. Bernardini. They were tasked with scanning the Florentine Pieta sculpture to obtain both geometric data and color information. The digital model obtained from a Stanford University scan was fully used in 2004 to further restore the statue.

Medical applications CAD/CAM

3D scanners are widely used in orthopedics and dentistry to create a 3D patient shape. Gradually, they replace the outdated gypsum technology. CAD/CAM software is used to create prostheses and implants.
Many dentistry uses CAD/CAM as well as 3D scanners to capture the 3D surface of a dentifrice (in vivo or in vitro) in order to create a digital model using CAD or CAM techniques (e. g. , for a CNC milling machine (computer numerical control), as well as a 3D printer). Such systems are designed to facilitate the process of 3D scanning of the drug in vivo with its further modeling (for example, for a crown, filling or inlay).

Quality assurance and industrial metrology

Digitization of real world objects is of great importance in various fields of application. 3D scanning is very actively used in industry to ensure product quality, for example, to measure geometric accuracy. Predominantly all industrial processes such as assembly are quite complex, they are also highly automated and are usually based on CAD (computer-aided design data). The problem is that the same degree of automation is required for quality assurance. A striking example is the automated assembly of modern cars, because they consist of many parts that must match exactly with each other.
Optimum performance levels are guaranteed by quality assurance systems. Geometrical metal parts need special checking, because they must be of the correct size, fit together to ensure reliable operation.
In highly automated processes, the results of geometric measurements are transferred to machines that produce the corresponding objects. Due to friction and other mechanical processes, the digital model may differ slightly from the real object. In order to automatically capture and evaluate these deviations, the manufactured parts must be rescanned. For this, 3D scanners are used, which create a reference model with which the received data are compared.
The process of comparing 3D data and CAD model is called CAD comparison, and can be a useful method for determining mold and machine wear, final assembly accuracy, tear analysis, and the volumetric surface of a disassembled part. Currently laser triangulation scanners, structured light devices and contact scanning are the leading technologies used in industrial applications. Contact scanning methods, although they are the slowest, but the most accurate option.

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